Doctor Answers 12

Is it ok to go swimming in the ocean 5.5 weeks post-BA and a string from the stitch is visible?

June 7th, 2014

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Hello! Thank you for your question! On average, a period of approximately 3-4 weeks on average is typical. Submerging in stagnant water, be it bathtubs, jacuzzis, pools, lakes, oceans, etc. can certainly increase your chance for infections. I usually await the incisions to be fully healed prior to allowing for this type of activity. If you do have any wound issues or delayed healing, expect that you will be restricted from doing such things. The string is likely just the suture end purposely left out, which should fall off by itself.

However, I allow my patients to shower and clean incisions at 3 days postoperative. Regardless, the answer will vary amongst plastic surgeons and you should discuss this with your surgeon and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes!

Swimming 5 weeks after breast augmentation

April 22nd, 2012

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Hello,

Yes it should be fine to go swimming 5 weeks after your breast augmentation. The suture you mention is also likely not an issue since it is most likely near the skin and the implant is far deeper than that. However, exposed sutures are not the norm at 5 weeks and you should have your plastic surgeon take a look at it and address it.

Breast Augmentation Pictures

Swimming Safe after 6 weeks following Breast Augmentation

April 22nd, 2012

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Swimming is safe in the ocean after 6 wks following Breast Augmentation if stitches are all gone. Because one is exposed - have your doctor remove it as it shouldn't be there anyway. Then wait a few days - it will be 6 weeks by then and have fun !

Swimming After Breast Augmentation

April 19th, 2012

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Swimming 5 1/2 weeks after breast augmentation is typically quite safe. However, if there is a visible suture along one of the incisions, then I would recommend following up with your surgeon to have the scar evaluated and suture clipped prior to getting into the ocean. This is typically not indicative of a significant problem, especially since the wound has been healing well, but it is always a good idea to check back with your surgeon when there are sutures visible following cosmetic surgery.

Swimming after Breast Augmentation

April 19th, 2012

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I typically instruct my breast augmentation patients to avoid soaking in water for 4 weeks after surgery. This allows the incision adequate time to fully heal. If you have a visible stitch, this could possibly indicate a small area of wound separation, although it is more likely that your body is healing and moving toward dissolving and expelling the deep, absorbable stitches. The safest advice is to see your plastic surgeon so that he/she can examine your incision and advise you whether you are safe to soak in the ocean.

Swimming after Breast Augmentation

April 19th, 2012

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In most cases going swimming 5 weeks after surgery would be okay. However, you would have to check with your surgeon to get their recommendations. Additionally if you have exposed sutures, you need to follow up with your surgeon to have them removed.

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